The mystery opponent was revealed to be "The Masked Bullet", a masked wrestler who imitated Armstrong's mannerisms (although Armstrong himself came to the ringside during the match, proving that he was not the Bullet). By the mid-70s, he was over not only in Georgia, but he became a favorite in Memphis, where he was a top-drawing babyface opponent for Jerry Lawler, and the Nashville territory, where he was used on top in a blazing feud with The Mongolian Stomper (Archie Gouldie). Bullet Bob Armstrong (left) with son and tag team partner, Brad Armstrong. He could talk to the people. Marietta, Georgia's Bullet Bob Armstrong was introduced to the WWE Hall of Fame 2011 induction ceremony stage by his son, Jesse James, who rhymes like a furious Al Sharpton and leads the evening's catch phrase race so far. From the time I started thinking Smoky Mountain Wrestling, that was the only spot I wanted for Bullet, and thats the only person I wanted for that spot.. He had prostate cancer, which spread and became bone cancer, and due to it being terminal, he opted not to receive treatment. But Bob, like the rest of the Armstrong family, all liked to be around home. Published at The Armstrong Family (real surname James, Armstrong is a ring name) is originally from Georgia, but a couple members, including Bullet, have found home in the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze areas. Fans talk about wrestlers being legitimate tough guys but Bob Armstrong was double-tough before he entered the squared circle, serving as a Marine and firefighter before becoming one of the top babyfaces of the territory era. Bob Armstrong is a guy that should never have had even the one heel turn, a fan wrote. We went 45 minutes and I dont think he drew a tired breath.. Longtime friend Les Thatcher, mourning the loss of Armstrong on his Facebook page, said there was no doubt that he was always Bad to the Bone, referring to the gritty guitar and saxophone of George Thorogoods signature song, which served as The Bullets popular ring entrance theme. Make sure that the file is a photo. His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. Steve entered the career as Wrestler In his early life after completing his formal education.. Born on March 16, 1965, the Wrestler Steve Armstrong is arguably the worlds most influential social media star. Success continued for The Armstrong Brothers in 1999. The Armstrong Brothers would continue teaming in 1997 and faced The Amazing French Canadians and The Steiner Brothers. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Who could have written that finish? He asked me who I worked with, and I mentioned Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, and before I could get Fullers name out, he blurted out: Joseph and Gail Adams James! Come to find out, he lived in the same neighborhood as Gail in Marietta, Ga. His family couldnt afford a piano, but her family could. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). Joseph Melton James was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 3, 1939. Armstrong required extensive plastic surgery, but like any true professional wrestler, he incorporated the injury into a storyline, donning a mask and claiming an opponent had injured him. In the course of his career, he toured both Japan and Korea. He walked up behind him and fired both of his pistols, but neither of them fired a bullet due to the humid weather and the model's vulnerability to moisture. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Platt said the funeral in Jay, Fla., was well attended despite the pandemic and Labor Day weekend. Born Joseph Melton James on Oct. 3, 1939, on a farm near Marietta, Ga., Bob Armstrong would leave his indelible mark on the wrestling business through a six-decade career in the ring and four. The Armstrong family. This browser does not support getting your location. And listen Jay, Fla., is not even on the map. You cant make this stuff up.. He came out of retirement and wrestled for Smokey Mountain Wrestling between 1992 and 1995 when the promotion closed its doors down. My son called Bob and let him know that it wasnt good. Steven James Net Worth & Basic source of earning is being a successful American Wrestler. Special to The Post and Courier, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison after conviction in double-murder trial, Jay Lethal, 'The Franchise' for Ring of Honor wrestling, still on the rise at age 35, Wrestling's Doug Gilbert lived up to his mat moniker as 'The Pro', Former WCW star Buff Bagwell recovering from serious car accident, Dick Bournes new wrestling book is a Crown Jewel, Oh, what a rush! Remembering Road Warrior Animal Joe Laurinaitis. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! RIP Bob, posted Buddy Colt, who traded the Southern heavyweight title back and forth with The Bullet in 1972 in Georgia and the North American title two years later in Florida. The James Gang was victorious, but ambushed by the LAX after the match. Only God in heaven wrote the finish to that.. This man took care of this woman and did everything for her the last two years of her life. Their pairing continued into 1998 but again saw little success. Armstrong would also play a lead authority figure in the early years of TNA where, at the age of 68, he teamed with son Brian, known then as B.G. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. It was a humbling experience knowing I knew every side of him, and he was the real deal that never knew what the real deal actually was. But it was Vida Gail Adams James, as Armstrong often said, that raised a total of five boys, including himself.. They went back to Continental Championship Wrestling (formerly SCW) and feuded with Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden over the Tag Team Titles. Armstrong's wife, Vida Gail, recently passed away at the end of June. He may no longer be with us in body but will never fade away in our minds and souls. An ex-Marine and firefighter, the charismatic Armstrong was a superhero to an audience that believed in him. If he had made it until October, he would have been 81 years old. This morning our Mother, Vida Gail James, the Matriarch of the James/Armstrong family, went to be with the Lord. Although Armstrong never set foot in a WWE ring, he was inducted into that companys Hall of Fame when Wrestlemania was held in Atlanta in 2011. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. In the course of his career, which spanned five decades, Armstrong held numerous championships . In 1988 he went into quasi-retirement.Armstrong and his wife, Gail, had four sons. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. The big arms. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. After his run with WCW he made a few appearances for the resurrected Continental Championship Wrestling from 2002 to 2005. 1. We are so thankful that our Father was able to be at her side until the very end. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. I think the people really identified with that, Davey Rich (David Haskins) related in the 2012 book The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes & Icons.. The James Gang (also sent backstage) ran in to help Armstrong. Learn more about merges. Resend Activation Email. He chose not to seek treatment for the cancer, even as it swept through the rest of his body. Bob went in there with her. Other than a couple young guys getting into the business complaining like that, never ever did anybody say anything bad about Bob.. Konnan: arm wrestling: TNA iMPACT! His four sons became professional wrestlers and he partnered with them in tag team matches at various points in his career.Armstrong was born Joseph Melton James, Jr. in Marietta, Ga. in 1939. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. . His latest book Final Bell is now available at https://evepostbooks.com and on Amazon.com, The Post and Courier On November 30, 1998 the duo enjoyed the biggest victory of their WCW tenure when they upset Raven and Kanyon on WCW Monday Nitro. Bob had a rare gift. Thank you for everything. Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Sadly he was recently widowed after his wife of 60 years had passed away two months ago. It was right in front of me.. That was Bullet.. They were winless against High Voltage in multiple encounters. WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong Dies . Ive told you about the performer, but I also want to tell you a little bit about the man. Taping Mar 28th 2006: Konnan: draw (NC) Bob Armstrong: arm wrestling: TNA Destination X '06 Mar . In his emotional tribute, Scott Armstrong revealed that their father Bullet Bob Armstrong was by her side until the end. The WWE legend was battling bone cancer and the disease had spread to his rib, shoulder and prostate. The Armstrong boys often found themselves in their dad's corner, as "Bullet" Bob partnered with each of his sons at various points in a competitive career which spanned over six decades. I never intended to use Bob Armstrong in any other fashion, and I never intended for Bob Armstrongs spot to be taken by anybody else. Armstrong's eldest son Scott - best known for being a WWE referee - posted the news online, with a picture of his dad on a weight machine. I love pro wrestling and hate BS. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. He looked the part. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. We had just heard news that Bob Armstrongs health is failing as well. Try again later. Years later at a dance, after he had become a regional artist, this guy tried to jump him because his girlfriend was taking a liking to Billy Joe. And people did believe. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Bob was a childhood hero and I got to meet him many years ago. He served as a commissioner in Jim Cornettes Smokey Mountain Wrestling and continued wrestling part-time as well as managing on occasion. A talented wrestler, Brad Armstrong worked a number of gimmicks, but never found the same success as his father, or brother. He was 80. Styles (c) & Tomko (c) def. May 26, 2009. Bob Armstrong: Bio In the ring, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong carved out distinction as a tough, working-class hero who would never back down from a fight. When he first got over in Georgia, they really, really pushed that he was a fireman, like he was an everyday regular guy. Equal parts strongman and showman . The family is very close. The two lost the championship match. Just how tough was he? It was making it difficult for him to grip dumbbells and lift enough weight to make him happy. Egos the way they were, I heard a couple guys over the years make remarks that he was booking all his boys, says Platt. And he had cancer for almost 2years, said Platt. Road Dogg also posted a tribute to his mother after her passing. He was low-key hilarious, but he was also respectful and humble, even though by the time I finally got to share a locker room with him, he was a legendary presence in the business. . So he went to the doctor and had him cut the finger off so he could get a better grip! His talent and passion for the business was passed on to his four sons Road Dogg Brian, Steve, Scott and the late Brad Armstrong, all stars in their own right. In both respects, he has been revered as a man of honor. Or, he added, Its a case of mind over matter. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Its hard to cry about Bullet because I looked at him like a Southern version of Lou Thesz, says Cornette. Rest in peace, Pep. Armstrongs toughness was legendary, and this story should give you an idea just how much. Get him! It made me for that night again believe. There was a problem getting your location. Gimmick: Year: WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has died. Armstrong wrestled alongside each of them in tag team matches throughout the 90s and 2000s. He has a pure loving kind heart personality. The sons of Bob Armstrong, Scott and Brian, announced on August 27th, 2020, that the Bullet Pep, if you knew him had passed after fighting bone cancer for the better part of a year. Armstrong, who helped define Southern wrestling from the 1960s through the 1980s, began his career in Georgia in 1961 and became a staple throughout the Southeast. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. WWE Hall of Famer and legend "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has died at 80, his sons announced on Thursday night. Guy Haines is an up-and-coming tennis player who wants to marry Anne Morton . This is a clip of a Southeastern Title match from, I think, Christmas Night in 1979 that was played on TV and narrated by Les Thatcher. He currently lives in suburban Birmingham, Alabama and can be reached on Twitter @bamawriter. He began wrestling in 1960. He was born on March 16, 1965, in Pensacola, Florida.Pensacola is a beautiful and populous city located in Pensacola, Florida United States of America. He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". I cant claim to be a great friend of Bobs I was in a locker room with him maybe twenty times, all told. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed "ol . A retirement show was held on May 29, 2009, at The Dothan Civic Center where many past stars came out to honor Armstrong before his match in the main event. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. Catch WWE action on WWE. To hear the full episode "Greatest Regional Babyfaces" and many more visit our homepage at blazebelltobell.comTo purchase the critically acclaimed memior "Pi. We invite you to share condolences for "Bullet" Bob Armstrong in our Guest Book. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Our thoughts go out to the entire Armstrong family during this sad time. On August 22 they faced Men at Work but were again unsuccessful. On the August 22 taping of WCW Pro The Armstrong Brothers would finally gain their first WCW victory when they defeated Bill Payne and Rick Thames. Armstrong's career spanned more than five decades. Provided/Chris Swisher Collection, Bob Armstrong was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011. Armstrong wrestled alongside each of them in . He was a great guy himself and I hope my condolences reach him. Armstrong went into semi-retirement in 1988. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? So sorry to hear about the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Bullet Bob Armstrong. Bobby Mathews is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories as well as a veteran journalist whose byline has appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Denver Post, as well as other newspapers around the country. Steve is an ideal celebrity influencer. Going to be very weird not seeing them out and about when things get back to normal. , Post and Courier, an Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group. This was his final appearance with TNA. pic.twitter.com/vPG4iVyitq Please try again later. Brice Armstrong began his voiceover work on Dragon Ball Z in 1986. . I do not know if there was a more well-liked and respected wrestler in any locker room I ever sat in than Bob Armstrong. Bob thought she had gone to sleep. In 1990, The Southern Boys went to World Championship Wrestling and feuded with The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin). Their outdoor anniversary celebration included a parade of firetrucks circling around the assisted living facility, said Platt. As "The Bullet", Armstrong feuded with the Stud Stable in Continental Championship Wrestling. He suffered a bad weightlifting accident back in the 80s that required plastic surgery and put him out of commission for a while. On the January 9 edition of WCW Saturday Night they defeated Nick Dinsmore and Mike Sullivan. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire!